Flatware tray and cover



June 7, 1955 RAU 2,710,094

QFLAITWARE TRAY AND COVER FLATWARE TRAY AND COVER Eric J. Ran, Glen Eilyn, IlL, assignor to Container Corporation of America, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application November 18, 1952, Serial No. 321,103

9 Claims. (Cl. 206-45.15)

This invention lies in the field of cartons, boxes and other containers and parts thereof composed from sheet material such as paperboard and the like and relates to a tray and tray insert for receiving, displaying and transporting flatware such as knives, forks and spoons, and to a tray cover adapted to serve both as a cover for the tray and insert and as a carrier for some of the flatware to be packaged or displayed. In greater particular the invention is concerned with a special construction of box or tray element for use with or without a special cover element and with a special type of insert element which may be cooperatively employed with the tray element whether or not the cover element is used and which is cooperatively related to the cover element for display and transportation of the commodities contained in the package. The several elements, while normally employed together as a unit package, are also of utility as individual or separate elements. In certain respects this invention may be considered to be an improvement upon the tray and insert constructions disclosed in Rau Patent 2,511,542 of June 13, 1950.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a combination tray, tray insert or article holder and cover which may also be an article holder, capable of supporting and displaying articles such as household flatware in a convenient, attractive and inexpensive manner and of packaging the contents in a safe and easily handled condition for storage and transportation.

Another of the principal objects is to provide a tray so constructed and arranged that it may be used as a tray or receptacle for various articles or commodities, with or without an article holding insert and with or States Patent without the cover, the construction and arrangement being such that the tray is self-sustaining and useful as a unit or element but cooperative with the cover or article holding insert or both for combined purposes.

Still another of the principal objects is to provide tray and cover elements so formed and arranged as to permit them to be interlockingly connected in a simple, quick and easy manner, the construction also being such that a pair of opposite side walls of the tray may be expanded to a degree to give support to the cover elements when the latter are open to effect display of the tray contents and moved or closed in to an erect condition if and when the cover elements are to be employed to close the package.

A further object of principal nature resides in the provision of a simple but effective insert element for a tray of the type specified, whereby flatware such as spoons, forks, knives and other items are given firm support and securely fastened in their desired positions of mounting within the tray in full view of the observer when the package is open to display, the insert features including one whereby the packaged items serve to lock or secure parts of the insert for the desired or proper mounting of the insert and the mounted items within the tray.

Many other objects of substantial importance include the provision of a novel cover element which is cooperatively engageable with the tray element, which may be employed to hold and display items of flatware or other things alone or in conjunction with a tray insert element, which is of such construction that a single cover element may be utilized to cover the entire open top or face of the tray element and to cooperate with parts of the tray element to secure the contents or, so that two complementary cover elements may be employed to close over the tray element top and cover the contents; the provision of a tray-like container useful for display of its contents at and from unusual positions and with unique effects; the provision of a strong and yet inexpensive construction; and the provision of simplified blanks from which the several elements of the invention may be setup or erected and assembled with a minimum of tim and effort.

Many other objects as well as the advantages and multiple uses of the several elements of the invention will be readily apparent after reading the following description and claims and after viewing the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a carton or box composed from a tray element and a pair of cover elements, as the same appears when fully erected and the cover elements are in closed positions;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view, on a scale substantially greater than the scale of Fig. 1, showing the carton as it appears when the cover elements are partly open, with the flatware carrying and supporting insert in place and with illustrative representations of certain articles of fiatware in position in the insert and in one of the cover elements;

Fig. 3 is a large scale detail view of a corner fragment of each of the tray element and a cover element;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a blank of paperboard or other suitable sheet material as cut and scored and ready for folding into the final tray element;

Pig. 5 is a plan view of a blank of paperboard or other suitable sheet material as cut and scored and ready for folding into the final tray insert element and insertion into the tray element; and

Fig. 6 is a plan view of one of a pair of cover element blanks of paperboard or other suitable sheet material as the same appears as cut and score and ready for folding and assembly with the tray element, the other cover element blank (not illustrated in blank form) being cut and scored in the mirror image of that illustrated.

In the interest of simplification of description and to facilitate full understanding of both structure and function of the invention and each of the elements thereof,

each of the elements will first be described in its blank points of those score lines. form the bottom wall of the tray element.

The tray element blank of Fig. 4 is generally rectangular in overall shape, has a square center panel 10 the bounds of which are defined by pairs of parallel score lines 11, 11 and 12, 12', respectively, and is symmetrical with respect to perpendicular axes passing through the mid Panel 10 ultimately is to Integral with the bottom wall panel along score line 11 is a section com- 0 prising a series of panels 13, 14, 15 and 16 delineated from one another by score lines 17, 18 and 19, and outer edge 20 respectively, parallel to one another and to the score line 11. Similarly, a section integral with the bottom wall panel along score line 11, is divided into panels 13, 14, 15 and 16 by score lines 17', 18 and 19' and edge 20' parallel to one another and to score lines 11 and 11'. Each of panels 13, 14, 15 and 16 corresponds respectively with panels 13, 14', 15' and 16 in location, shape and dimensions and eventually both sets are to form one pair of opposite hollow or box-section side walls when folded and secured as hereina ter explained.

Integral with the bottom wall along its other two opposite side edges defined by score lines 12 and 12', are other sections each in turn divided by score lines parallel to score lines 12 and 12 and to one another, into three panels, those at one side edge respectively corresponding in Size, shape and location to those at the opposite side. Thus, score lines 21 and 22 and parallel edge 23 delineate panels 24, and 26 at one side edge of panel 113 while corresponding score lines 21 and 22 and edge 23 delineate panels 24, 25 and 26 at the other or opposite side edge. Preferably the combined widths of panels 25 and 26, will equal the width of panel 24 and, similarly, the combined widths of panels 25 and 26' will equal the width of panel 24'. The sections comprising panels 24, 25 and 26 and 24', 25 and 26' are to form the other pair of opposite side walls of the tray element and since it is desirable to have all of the side walls of the same height, the widths of panels 13, 13', 15, 15', 24 and 24' which control that height in the respective walls, are equal. It is preferable but not necessary that the panels 14, 14, 25,, 25, 26 and 26 be equal in width for reasons that will become apparent. The widths of panels 16 and 16 may be less than the widths of panels 14 and 14- but preferably are not greater in width than panels 14, 14'.

At each corner of bottom wall panel 10 and integrally connecting side Wall panels 13 and 13 with side Wall panels 24 and 24', are rectangular corner fold sections delineated from the side wall panels mentioned by extensions of the several score lines 11, 11', 12 and 12' and, divided into equal triangular parts 27, 28 and 27', 28 by diagonal score lines 29, 29. The outer corner of each of the corner fold sections preferably is-cut off along a line at right angles to the diagonal score line of such corner fold section as will be seen in Fig. 4. As will also be noted in that drawing figure, the outer or free edges of each of the corner fold sections extend in alignment with the respectively adjacent score lines 17, 17' and 21, 21' while the end edges of panels 14, 15 and 16 and 14', 15' and 16 terminate an appreciable distance short of but parallel to continuations in space of the score lines 12, and 12', the end edges of panels 25 and 26 and 25' and 26' terminating a like distance short of but parallel to continuations in space of score lines 11 and 11, the reasons therefore hereafter appearing. The distance by which, each of the last mentioned panel end edges terminates short of the respectively adjacent parallel score line 11, 11', 12 or 12' as the case may be, may be equal. to one but, preferably, is equal to two thicknesses of thematerial of which the tray element is made.

Ordinarily and preferably each of the sections outwardly of the score lines 11 and 11' is folded into a hollow wall or boxrsection and secured permanently in.

such form by folding the panels 13 and 13 upwardly at right angles to the bottom wall panel 10 along the respective score lines 11, 11, by folding the panels 14, 14' inwardly toward one another at right angles to panels. 13, 13' along score lines 17, 17', folding the panels- 15, 15 downward at right angles to the panels 14, 14 along score lines 18, 18, the panels 16, 16' toward the panels 13, 13' at right angles to panels 15', 15 along score lines 19, 1), and securing the panels 16, 16 to the; top surface of the bottom wall panel by adhesive or by other means. Thus folded and secured these side walls, greatly strengthen and stiffen the resultant tray and giveneatand attractive framing margins to such prod uct; Inorder that a plurality of tray elements in such condition may be stacked for packaging in multiple units and storage or shipment, the hollow walls may be flattened down by collapsing them against the bottom wall panel along the score lines 11, 11, 1'7, 17', etc., as will be appreciated. At the time these side walls are erected the corner fold sections are folded upward along with panels 13, 13 along the extensions of score lines 11, 11 and when the walls are flattened down as stated the corner fold sections will be disposed in face to face relation upon the adjacent face portions of panels 24-, 24.

When the tray element is to be used the side walls formed by panels 13, 13', 14, 14, 15, 15 are re-expanded and the other pair of opposite side walls are folded into erected position. In performing the last mentioned opera tion it may be preferable first to fold the outer panels 26, 26 upwardly to positions at right angle to the respectively adjacent panels 25, 25' and then to fold the latter panels upwardly and inwardly along score lines 21, 21 either at right angles to the respective panels 24, 24' or to positions slightly greater than right angles to the panels 24, 24 for a purpose later appearing. The next step may be the upward folding of the panels 24, 24' along score lines 12, 12 to positions either at right angles to the bottom wall panel It or to positions at about 60 from the plane of the bottom Wall panel. During the upward folding of the panels 24-, 2-4 the corner fold sections 27, 28 and 27', 28 will be pressed inward over the bottom wall panel 19 and folding together, about the diagonal score lines 2?, 29, so that their under faces (viewing Fig. 4) will be brought toward face to face relationship and together will extend across the end edges of the panels .13, 13 of the box-section side walls.

When the panels 24, 25 and 26 and 24', 25 and 26 and the several corner sections have been folded as above described, the outer panels 26 and 26' are tucked into place between the triangular fold pieces 28 and 28' and the end edges of the panels 14 and 14 and 15 and 15, the cut back ends of the last mentioned panels providing sufiicient space for such tobe accomplished. Thus folded the several pairs of opposite side walls of the tray element are secured together in erected or set-up state and the box or carton so formed will have a rim of substantial and equal width extending entirely along each of the four sides such rim being constituted by the panels 14, 14' and 25, 25' the outer surfaces of which will extend in substantially or nearly the same horizontal plane parallel to the bottom Wall panel 19, but in this condition the panels 24, 24' will be inclined upwardly and outwardly as noted above. On the other hand, if it should be desired to have all of the tray element side walls in vertical position, as when. the tray and contents are covered and to. be Wrapped for carrying, panels 25 and 26 and 25" and 26, employed as single panel units, may together he tucked, into the slots between the bellows-like infolded corner sections and the adjacent end edges of the panels 14,15 and14, 15. of the other pair of side walls thereby to appear as shownirr Fig. l.

T he tray insert element The tray insert element consists of a single or one piece blank of material, paperboard in this instance, which, as cut and scored in the preferred manner, is shown in Fig. 5. The blank is generally rectangular in: over-all shape with a greater dimension in one direction (length) than the other (width) and is scorer along spaced parallel score lines 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35' extending across its width to provide a series of relatively foldable panels 36, 37, 38, 39, 4t 41 and 42". Since-the panels 37 and 38 are to be folded upward into a ridge between the panels 36 and 39 and, similarly, the panels 40 and 41 are to be folded to provide a ridge between the panels 39 and 2, the panels 36, 39' and 42' remaining in one plane, the length of the insert element between the opposite outer or free edges of the panels 36 and 42 will be forcshortened to the extent that those edges of panels 37, 38 and 40, 41 which are defined by score lines 30, 32 and 33, 35, respectively, approach one another by the ridge forming folding operations.

The maximum width of the tray insert element should be no greater than the distance between the score lines 12, 12 since that element is intended to be disposed within the four side walls of the tray element with the bottom faces of panels 36, 39 and 42 in full surface contact with the upper face of the bottom wall panel 10. Preferably, the panels 36, 39 and 42 are of equal length and such length is equal to the perpendicular distance between score lines 12, 12' thereby to bring the margins of the ends 36, 39' and 42 vertically beneath the adjacent and overlying edges 23, 23' of the down-folded panels 26, 26 of the tray element. However, in order that the end edges 37, 38, 4t) and M of the upwardly directed ridge forming panels 37-38 and 4041 may clear the panels 26, 26 and also certain portions of the cover elements as will later more fully appear, those edges are terminated short of the line of end edges of panels 36, 39 and 42 by a predetermined distance, measured perpendicularly to such edges, equal to or substantially equal to two or three thicknesses of the material of which the three elements are composed, assuming the uniformity of such material in thickness. Notches 31 and 34' at the ends of score lines 31 and 34, respectively, may be employed to relieve the material at the ends of the ridges when formed.

The over-all lengths of the tray insert clement between its end edges 4-3, 44 preferably is such that, with the ridge forming panels 37-38 and id-41 proportioned and folded to effect the ridge formation in angle and height (perpendicular to the bottom wall lib) as may be desired and the panels 36, 39 and 42 of correct total width, the edges 43 and 44 will make a snug fit against and along the marginal edges of the panels 15, adjacent to the bottom wall it) of the tray element. The relative widths of the several panels 36, 39 and 42 may vary depending upon the character, shape and dimensions of the flatware or other items to be supported and displayed thereby, as will be suggested by the illustration of Fig. 2. The proportioning should also be such that the crests of the ridges (identified by the score lines 31 and 34) do not project above the top level of the tray element if the cover elements to be later described are to be employed.

Each of the ridges formed by the folded panels 37-38 and 46-41 is transversely slotted for reception of handie portions of flatware such as forks and spoons, the slots 45 extending across the ridge formed by panels 37-38, in the illustrated embodiment, being aligned with but of less width than the width of slots 46 extending across the ridge formed by panels 41 to accommodate the varying widths of dilferent portions of the flatware handles. While the several slot lengths in each ridge are shown as the same and those of the ridge panels 3738 of greater length than those of ridge panels 40-41, such slot lengths may be varied as between different slots in the same ridge and in different ways as between ridges, as will be appreciated. It will also be observed that the depth to which an item such as a flatware handle portion may be disposed in a slot and the height of such portion above the surface of the bottom wall panel 10 will be in part determined by the length of the slot in which such portion rests and the slope of the ridge panels.

The opposite marginal edges lengthwise of each article receiving slot and 46 are serrated as indicated at 47 and 48 throughout their lengths, the distance between the crests of the projections of the serrations at opposite sides of each slot being somewhat less than the corresponding over-all transverse dimension of that portion of the article which is to be disposed in such slot and the distance be-v line 56 to the other long edge of panel 51, and a pair of tween the roots of the serrations at opposite sides of each slot being approximately equal to the same over-all transverse dimension of such article portion. It is relatively immaterial, ordinarily, whether the crests and roots of the serrations are opposite one another or staggered.

This construction and arrangement of the slots and their serrated longitudinal edges together serve several purposes among which are the solid support of each piece of flatware in a pleasingly attractive manner and disposition regardless of the position of the tray and its contents, the firm gripping of each article at a plurality of places along each side of spaced lengths of the flatware handles to minimize chances of shippage and displacement, and the reduction of chances of pilferage. In addition, a peculiarly novel result occurs when the items of flatware are properly disposed within their slots in the tray insert element. By reason of the inherent resilience and other characteristics of paperboard of good quality and the form and manner of construction of the tray insert element, when the insert element is disposed in the tray element with its end edges 43 and 44 abutting the bottoms of the opposite side walls of the latter, there is a strong tendency for the insert element to buckle upwardly in the middle and to raise the panel 39 and the nearer parts of the panels 36 and 42 from flat contact with the tray bottom wall panel 10 and to elevated positions well above panel 10. However, when one, two or more pieces of flatware have been disposed in their proper slots in the ridge forming panels and the serration projections are engaged with and along parts of the handles of those pieces of flatware, the ridge sides (panels) of each ridge and the two ridges are prevented from movement relative to one another and other parts of the insert element with the result that the panels 36, 39 and 42 are retained in the same plane and are held fiat upon the surface of the tray bottom wall 10.

The cover element The cover element, like each of the other elements of the combination hereinabove described, is constructed from a single integral piece of paperboard and preferably of the same grade or quality and thickness as the others. The blank, shown in Fig. 6, is cut and scored to provide two rectangular panels 50 and 51 of equal dimensions joined along one long edge of each at a score line 52, a panel 53 joined along a score line 54 to the other long edge of panel St), a panel 55 joined along a score locking flaps or tabs 57 one at each end of panel 55 and joined thereto along a score line 58. The panels 53 and 55 preferably are of equal width dimension and corresponding shape, the edges 59 being tapered slightly toward one another from their junctions with the score line 54 to correspond with the angle of convergence of the score lines 58 but being inset from the end edges 60 of panel 50 as indicated at 61. The free edges 62 and 63 and the score lines 52, 54 and 56 are parallel-to one another.

In consequence of the construction so far described, if the panels 50 and 53 are folded as a unit about the score line 52 to a face to face relationship with panels 51, 55, respectively, the score lines 54 and 56 will register or coincide with one another throughout their lengths, the edges 60 will register with edges 60, the edges 62 and 63 will likewise register and the edges 59 will lie parallel to but inwardly spaced to a slight extent from the adjacent score lines 58. Extending between the score lines 52, 54 within the area of panel. 50 and in spaced apart, parallel array to one another are a pair of generally rectangular flaps 64 and 65 cut from panel 50 along three edges as indicated by the full lines 64', 65', respectively, and connected with that panel along the fourth side by a hinge forming score line as indicated at 64", 65", respectively. Flap 64 is slotted at a plurality of spaced places throughout its length as indicated at 66 and flap 65 has a corresponding number of slits 67 in registerable alignment with slots 65 adapted to receive and securely retain the blades of knives or other items of flatware.

The tray and tray insert assembly may be used with a single cover element such as that of Fig. 6 or with a pair of cover elements, one like that of Fig. 6 and the other the mirror image thereof after the manner illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. In either event the resultant package will be neat, attractive and secure whether in open condition for display of the contents or closed for storage, handling and transport. In either arrangement whether one or two cover elements are used in the com bination the mechanics and functional interrelationships of the assembly operation and condition are relatively identical.

Each of panels 5i) and 51, measured betwe n its respective edges 60', 6t) and as, 68, preferably is of a dimension substantially equal to the perpendicular distance between the score lines 11, 11 of the tray element and the combined widths of panels 56 and 51 between score lines 54 and 56 preferably is substantially equal to the perpendicular distance between score lines 12', 12 of the tray element. If two cover elements are to be employed and neither is to be used alone in an alternative manner as a full cover for the tray, then the two cover elements may be of unequal width as respects the tray dimension between the score lines 12, 12' as will later become clearly apparent. The width of each of panels 53 and 55 preferably is substantially equal to but not materially greater than the perpendicular distance from the inner surface of the tray element bottom wall 1%? to the top surface or edge of the tray side walls or, in other words, is substantially equal to the width of each of panels 13, 13, 15, 15', 24 and 24. The slotted and slitted flaps 64 and 65, preferably are so located that when the cover elements are in closed position over the tray element and the insert element, they will be disposed in positions between or to one side or the other of the ridges of the insert element and interferenc of such parts and the articles they carry may be avoided.

In assembling a cover element with the tray clement, assuming that two cover elements each in double or twoply form are to be used in the manner depicted in Figs. 1 and 2, the panels fili53 are folded about score line 52 onto and in face to" face relation with the panels 51, 55, respectively whereupon the locking tabs 57 are folded upwardly and inwardly about the score lines 58 across the beveled or tapered edges 59 and temporarily disposed in face to face relation with the adjacent faces of panel 53. The panels 53, 55 together with the downfolded tabs 57 may now be entered, edgewise, into posi tion between a tray element side wall panel such as that designated 26 and the adjacent ends of panels 13, i4- and 15, atone end, and 13, i4 and 15, at the other end, the edges 62 and 63 coming to rest upon the underlying projecting margins of panels 36, 39 and 42 of the insert element adjacent to one set or the other of the edges 36, 39' and 42' of those insert element panels. As the panels 53 and 55 are being inserted as so described, the loc ting tabs 57 pass the horizontally disposed end edges of panels 14 and 14 and, being no longer restrained, spring outward from the adjacent end face portions of panel 53 into the hollow interiors of the side walls formed by panels 13, l4, l5 and 16 and 13', 14, 15 and 16 in which location they will be held and restrained against displacement. Fig. 3 illustrates, as an exploded view, the relationship of the tray and a cover element at one corner, as here described.

The abutting engagement of the edges 62 and 63 (or either of them) with the panels 36, 39 and 42, or the proximity of those edges to the panels of the insert, aids in holding the insert element in its place within the tray element. The disposition of the panels 53 and 55 between the adjacent side wall panel 26, or 25 and 26 together (or the corresponding panels of the opposite iii side wall), and the adjacent ends of the other pair of side walls, sti'tfens the adjacent side wall with which panels 53 and 55 are substantially coextensive, and tends to hold or aid in holding the several panels of such side wall in their desired positions. The complementary cover element is connected with the tray element at the side of the latter opposite to that at which the first cover element has been connected, after the just stated and the two cover elements may then be closed over the tray and contents as in Fig. l, or opened to and beyond the open positions shown in Fig. 2. As will now be fully appreciated each of the several components of the combination, the tray, insert and cover elements, has construction features functioning cooperatively with construction features of the others to provide unique results.

in some cases may be unnecessary or undesirable or for other reasons preferable. to utilize a single cover cert-tent such that shown in Fig. 6 to cover the entire op of the tray. in such event the panel 55 alone will be interlocked with one side of the tray and insert elements after the manner above stated While the panel 53 will be used as a tuck flap to be inserted between the panels of the opposite side wall of the tray element and the adjacent panel ends of the other opposite pair of tray side walls. The cover elements, when assembled with the tray, may readily be swung on the score lines 54, 56 from a fully closed position to a full open position where each extends at 186 with respect to the other in the plane of the tops of the tray side walls, and, also, to any desired position between such extremes. In the full open position each cover may find support from the underlying panel 25 or 25, as the case may be, when such panel is disposed in the plane of the top of the tray as above explained. When a cover element is closed over the tray, its top and bottom marginal edges rest upon and are supported by the top panels 14, 14 of the tray side walls.

The invention, in the embodiment illustrated and described, has many advantages and uses and is readily adapted to the containment. or pacicaging and display of various and assorted items whether of the nature and types illustrated or other. Consequently, it is obvious that the invention should not be considered as limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described herein but rather only by the invention spirit and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A tray of the character described composed of material such as paperboard and comprising a generally rectangular bottom wall, a side wall connected with and rising from each edge of said bottom wall, each end portion of one pair of opposed side walls being composed of two thicknesses of material integrally connected by a fold atom the upper edge of the side wall, and a cover member comprising an inner and an outer generally rectangular panel juxtaposed in face to face relationship to one another over substantially the entire area of each, each of a pair of juxtaposed marginal edge portions of said cover member being of a length substantially equal to the distance between the inner faces of the outer thickness of said one pair of tray side walls and delineated from the remainder of the member by substantially coincident and coextensive rectilinear score lines forming hinge lines between said portions and said remainder, said score lines throughout their lengths being spaced from the adjacent marginal edges of the said portions, a tab on each end of the said marginal portion of said outer panel, each tab being connected with the marginal portion along a score line transverse to the first said score lines and each tab projecting parallel to and in the same direction as the other tab across the adjacent end of the marginal portion of the inner panel, said marginal edge portions of the cover member being disposed in substantially parallel juxtaposed relation to the inner face of one of the other pair of said side walls with the marginal edge portion of the outer panel closest to such side wall face, each of said tabs being disposed between and secured under and by the fold connecting the said two thicknesses of the respectively adjacent one of said one pair of side walls.

2. A tray of the character described composed of material such as paperboard and comprising a generally rectangular bottom wall, a side wall connected with and rising from each edge of said bottom wall, each end portion of one pair of opposed side walls being composed of two thicknesses of material secured in Spaced relation to one another and joined together along their upper edges, and a cover member comprising an inner and an outer generally rectangular panel juxtaposed in face to face relationship to one another over substantially the entire area of each, each of a pair of juxtaposed marginal edge portions of said cover member being of a length substantially equal to the distance between the inner faces of the outer thickness of said one pair of tray side walls and delineated from the remainder of the member by substantially coincident and coextensive rectilinear score lines forming hinge lines between said portions and said remainder, said score lines throughout their lengths being spaced from the adjacent marginal edges of the said portions, a tab on each end of the said marginal portion of said outer panel, each tab being connected with the marginal portion along a score line transverse to the first said score lines and each tab projecting parallel to and in the same direction as the other tab across the adjacent end of the marginal portion of the inner panel, said marginal edge portions of the cover member being disposed in substantially parallel juxtaposed relation to the inner face of one of the other pair of said side walls with the marginal edge portion of the outer panel closest to such side wall face, each of said tabs being disposed in the spaces between the said two thicknesses of the respectively adjacent one of said one pair of side Walls.

3. A tray of the character described composed of material such as paperboard and comprising a generally rectangular bottom wall, a side wall connected with and rising from each edge of said bottom wall, each end portion of one pair of opposed side walls being composed of two thicknesses of material, and a pair of cover members each comprising an inner and an outer generally rectangular panel juxtaposed in face to face relationship to one another over substantially the entire area of each, each of a pair of juxtaposed marginal edge portions of each said cover member being of a length substantially equal to the distance between the inner faces of the outer thickness of said one pair of tray side walls and delineated from the remainder of the member by substantially coincident and coextensive rectilinear score lines forming hinge lines between said portions and said remainder, said score lines throughout their lengths being spaced from the adjacent marginal edges of the said portions, a tab on each end of the said marginal portion of said outer panel, each tab being connected with the marginal portion along a score line transverse to the first said score lines and each tab projecting parallel to and in the same direction as the other tab across the adjacent end of the marginal portion of the inner panel, said marginal edge portions of one of the said pair of cover members being disposed in substantially parallel juxtaposed relation to the inner face of one of the other pair of said side walls with the marginal edge portion of the outer panel closest to such side wall face, the said marginal edge portions of the other of said pair of cover members being correspondingly disposed with respect to the other of said other pair of side Walls, each of said tabs being disposed and secured between the said two thicknesses of the respectively adjacent one of said one pair of side walls.

4. A tray of the character described composed of material such as paperboard and comprising a generally rectangular bottom wall, a side wall connected with and rising from each edge of said bottom wall, each end portion of one pair of opposed side walls being composed of two thicknesses of material, and a cover member comprising an inner and an outer generally rectangular panel juxtaposed in face to face relationship to one another over substantially the entire area of each, each of a pair of juxtaposed marginal edge portions of said cover member being of a length substantially equal to the distance between the inner faces of the outer thickness of said one pair of tray side walls and delineated from the remainder of the member by substantially coincident and coextensive rectilinear score lines forming hinge lines between said portions and said remainder, said score lines throughout their lengths being spaced from the adjacent marginal edges of the said portions, a tab on each end of the said marginal portion of said outer panel, each tab being connected with the marginal portion along a score line transverse to the first said score lines and each tab projecting parallel to and in the same direction as the other tab across the adjacent end of the marginal portion of the inner panel, said marginal edge portions of the cover member being disposed in substantially parallel juxtaposed relation to the inner face of one of the other pair of said side Walls with the marginal edge portion of the outer panel closest to such side wall face, each of said tabs being disposed and secured between the said two thicknesses of the respectively adjacent one of said one pair of side walls, the inner panel of said cover member having a flap hinged thereto for swinging movement between the plane of the panel and planes at angles less than with respect to the plane of such panel, said flap having openings formed therethrough for the reception of articles of flatware.

5. A flatware holding tray assembly including a tray element and a cover element, said tray element being composed from a single integral piece of material such as paperboard which, when cut, scored, folded and secured, provides a generally rectangular bottom wall and an upstanding side wall along each side margin of the bottom wall, each of one pair of opposite side walls including an outer panel directly integral with the bottom wall and an inner panel spaced from the outer panel over a portion of the length of each at one end of such wall and secured by its bottom edge to the bottom wall, said panel length portions being at the corresponding ends of such walls, the opposite end portions of one of the other pair of opposite side walls being disposed across the end edges of the said portions of the respec: tively adjacent ends of the inner panels of the first said pair of side walls and in relatively close proximity relationship thereto, and means for securing said one of said other pair of side walls in said disposition and re lationship, said cover element comprising a single integral piece of material such as paperboard which, when cut, scored and folded, provides a cover panel and a hinge panel integrally joined thereto along a hinge forming score line, said hinge panel being disposed in substantially parallel relation to and against the inner face of said one of said other pair of side walls of said tray element and across the end edges of the respectively adjacent ends of the inner panels of the first said pair of side walls and between such end edges and the said inner face of said one of said other pair of side walls, and means integral with each end of said hinge panel projected into the space between the spaced portions of the inner and outer panels of the first said pair of side walls and in interlocking relation with such side walls.

6. A flatware holding tray assembly including a tray element and a cover element, said tray element being composed from a single integral piece of material such as paperboard which, when cut, scored, folded and se cured, provides a generally rectangular bottom wall and an upstanding side wall along each side margin of the bottom wall, each of one pair of opposite side walls including an outer panel directly integral with the bottom wall and an inner panel spaced from the outer panel over a potrion of the length of each at one end of such wall and secured by its bottom edge to the bottom wall, said panel len th portions being at the corresponding ends of such walls, the opposite end portions of one of the other pair of opposite side walls being disposed across the end edges of the said portions of the respectively adjacent ends of the inner panels of the first said pair or? side Walls and in unconnected but relatively close proximity relationship thereto, and means for securing said one of said other pair of side walls in said disposition and relationship, said cover element comprising a single integral piece of material such as paperboard which, when cut, scored and folded, provides a two-ply cover panel and a hinge panel integrally joined thereto along a hinge forming score line, said hinge panel being dis posed in substantially parallel relation to and against the inner face of said one of said other pair of side walls of said tray element and across the end edges of the respectively adjacent ends of the inner panels of the first said pair of side walls and between such end edges and the said inner face of said one of said other pair of side walls, tab means integral with each end of said hinge panel projected into the space between the spaced portions of the inner and outer panels of the first said pair of side walls and in unattached interlocking relation with such side walls, one or" the plies of said cover panel having a pair of flaps spaced from one another along substantially parallel score lines normal to said hinge forming score line, each of said flaps having an opening therethrough for the reception of an article of flatware.

7. A cover member composed from a single integral piece of material such as paperboard and comprising, when cut, scored and folded, a two ply cover panel the plies of which are disposed in face to face relationship aud integrally and directly joined along one edge of such panel, a two ply hinge panel each ply of whie is integrally and directly joined to a ply of the cover panel along a hinge forming score line, the hinge forming score lines being substantially in alignment register with one another for swinging movements of the two plies of the cover panel as a unit relative to the two plies of the hinge panel as a unit, and a locking tab projecting from each end of one ply of the hinge panel and directly and integrally connected with such hinge panel ply end along a score line substantially in alignment register with the adjacent end edge of the other ply of the hinge panel.

8. A cover member composed from a single integral piece of material such as paperboard and comprising, when cut, scored and folded, a two ply cover panel the plies of which are disposed in face to face relationship and integrally and directly joined along one edge of such panel, a two ply hinge panel each ply of which is integrally and directly joined to a ply of the cover panel along a hinge forming score line, the hinge forming score lines being substantially in alignment register with one another for swinging movements or" the two plies of the cover panel as a unit relative to the two plies of the hinge panel as a unit, and a locking tab projecting from each end of one ply of the hinge panel and directly and integrally connected with such hinge panel ply end along a score line substantially in alignment register with the adjacent end edge of the other ply of the hinge panel, one of tie plies of said cover panel having a flap hinged thereto for swinging move ment between the plane of such ply and planes disposed at angles less than 180 with respect to the plane of the ply, said flap having openings formed therethrough or the reception of articles of flatware.

9. A cover member composed from a single integral piece of material such as paperboard and comprising, when cut, scored and folded, a two ply cover panel the plies of which are disposed in face to Face relationship and integrally and directly joined along one edge of such panel, a two ply hinge panel each ply of which is integrally and directly joined to a ply of the cover panel along a hinge forming score line, the hinge forming score lines being substantially parallel to said one edge in alignment register with one another for swinging movements of the two plies of the cover panel as a. unit relative to the two plies of the hinge panel as a unit, and a locking tab projecting from each end of one ply of the hinge panel and directly and integrally connected with such hinge panel ply end along a score line substantially in alignment register with the adjacent end edge of the other ply of the hinge panel, the other of said plies having a pair of flaps spaced from one another along substantially parallel score lines extending transversely of said hinge forming score lines for hinging movements from the plane of the ply to planes extending at acute angles to the plane of the ply, each of said flaps having openings formed therethrough for the reception of articles of flatware.

References tilted in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 143,717 Dubiner d. Feb. 5, 1946 1,963,272 Kammert June l9, 1934 2,179,109 Wheeler Nov. 7, 1939 2,197,565 Brand Apr. 16, 1940 2,249,85] Pilliod et al July 22, 194-1 2,324,905 Chambliss July 20, 1943 2,469,530 Thompson H May 10, 1949 2,531,255 Clarke Nov. 21, 1950 2,609,921 Naken Sept. 9, 1952 

